Matter 11 Core policy 9 - Wiltshire Council

Wiltshire Local
Development
Framework
South Wiltshire
Core Strategy
Matter 11
Core policy 9
Old Sarum Airfield
Ref: DJM/SWCS/M11
January 2010

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Contents
Issues and Matters to be Considered
Question 11.1. Potential Areas for Development. On what
basis were the potential areas for development shown on Map 5
selected. In particular what assessment has been made of the
potential effect, positive or negative, that developing these areas
would have on the setting of The Old Sarum Airfield Conservation
Area, of listed buildings within that area and of the Old Sarum
Scheduled Ancient Monument
Question 11.2. Aircraft Noise. What potential would the
development of these sites have to secure some control over the
noise of aircraft using the airfield
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Question 11.1. Potential Areas for Development. On what basis were the
potential areas for development shown on Map 5 selected. In particular what
assessment has been made of the potential effect, positive or negative, that
developing these areas would have on the setting of The Old Sarum Airfield
Conservation Area, of listed buildings within that area and of the Old Sarum
Scheduled Ancient Monument
1.0 Areas shown on Map 5 were selected, firstly, because they would not
prejudice the historic flying activity, at the airfield. The unsevered relationship
between the listed hangars and the operational flying field is a unique feature
as indentified in the English Heritage study, 'Survey of Military Aviation Sites
and Structures, Summery Report' by the Thematic Listing Programme, J.
Lake 2000 (see evidence base document STU/49).
1.1 Secondly they were based on an assessment of the site to establish how the
topography could be utilised to introduce carefully screened views both in and
out of the site and across the airfield, thereby mitigating the impact of later
commercial built interventions. The Old Sarum Conservation Area Appraisal
is a detailed assessment of the airfield and its environs, the first step of which
was the production of the document, 'Old Sarum Airfield Character Appraisal
and Assessment of Eligibility for Conservation Area Designation' August
2006, by Atkins (see evidence base document STU/43). This document
clearly indicates (page 32) where there have been instances of intrusion and
damage to the special qualities of Old Sarum Airfield. Page 36 of the same
document outlines the potential for enhancement, through improved
landscaping and restoration of items of original character, through removal of
inappropriate fences and such like. This data was drawn on by the landowner
who commissioned their own detailed contextual landscape and site appraisal
to further inform discussions with the Council. .
1.2 Based on such evidence it is the assessment of the Council that carefully
designed development has the potential to have a positive effect on the
airfield, listed buildings and Old Sarum Scheduled Ancient Monument,
through the greatly improved screening of inappropriate views, through
careful design and a comprehensive landscape scheme. Also, as outlined at
page 36 of the Atkins Study, some interpretative material and managed public
access to the site would greatly add to the understanding and appreciation of
the airfield and its role in British aviation history.
1.3 South Wiltshire Core Strategy Final Sustainability Appraisal July 2009
Appendix IV, page 151-153 indicates a positive outcome for this proposal
subject to appropriate mitigation measures.
1.4 At the Full Council meeting on 10 November 2009, Wiltshire Council resolved
to submit the Core Startegy with the revision, raised intially by the local
Councillor, that the area shown on Map 5, to the south of the airfield be
deleted. This revision is subject to change highlighted in Schedule
SWCS/13B, 'Changes to the South Wiltshire Core Stratgey Submission
Document'. Councillors expressed a concern over the impact of new
residential development in this particular area on the separate identity and the
amenity of the residents of the village of Ford. This proposed change has
been subject to consultation and Sustainability Appraisal, which concludes it
may have a positive effect in that it removes development from a settlement
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that is not seen as sustainable in the settlement hierarchy and protects open
space.
Question 11.2. Aircraft Noise. What potential would the development of
these sites have to secure some control over the noise of aircraft using the
airfield
2.0 Core Policy 9, seeks to afford the Council some control over the level of flying
activity and therefore the noise caused by it, for the first time. This would be
by means of a voluntary, but enforceable, Section 106 Agreement that sets
out the type and levels of flying activity that would be permitted. The
background to this is important.
2.1 The Local Authority has been seeking a means of controlling flying activity for
many years, to strike a balance between a locally important leisure activity,
which acts to preserve the historic use of the airfield, and the amenity of
nearby residents. In response to ongoing complaints over the noise the
Council has considered a number of measures including:
• Environmental Health regulations
• Enforcement Action
• Seek changes to National Legislation.
• Local Plan Policies
• Discontinuance Order
• Voluntary partnerships through the Flying Club Forum.
With the exception of the latter, which has been helpful due to the positive
engagement by the Flying Club, the search has been fruitless.
2.2 The main issue being that when planning permission was granted for a
change of use from military to civilian airfield in 1982, no conditions were
imposed to control the use, and hence the owners have unrestricted flying
rights. This includes potential night flying and continuous training circuits.
While the operator has been responsible, there are occasions when
intensification of flying, especially during the summer months, has led to
peaks in complaints.
2.3 The landowner has expressed a commitment to explore a voluntary Section
106 agreement which sets out the type and levels of flying that will be
undertaken. This would allow the Council, for the first time, to have some
control over the activities so that it can monitor and enforce if, for example,
the activity intensifies in a manner that is outside the agreed parameters and
leads to a high level of complaints.
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